Parks & Rec

Celebrate Earth Day at Mordecai Historic Park and get your herb, vegetable, and flower gardens started for the season! Heirloom varieties of plants will be on sale for great prices. All plants are started from seed by the Mordecai Historic Park gardeners. Plants will include tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs, and much more. Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and provide more information about the garden and grounds at Mordecai Historic Park! The sale will take place both on April 26 and 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mordecai Visitor Center. For questions or more information, please call 919-996-4364. Ages: AllCost: Free entryPlants are $3-$5

Get in the driver's seat with a free hands-on experience with vehicles of all kinds. This is a fun, interactive, family-friendly event that allows children and adults to see, touch, and safely explore their favorite trucks and heavy machinery, as well as meet the personnel who protect, serve, and build the Raleigh community. We will feature a 'No Horn Hour' from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. for guests with sensitive hearing. Little ones with sensitivities to loud noises are encouraged to visit during this time to experience everything in a comfortable environment. Ages: 0-12Cost: Free

Join Let’s Get Social Raleigh and Raleigh Parks for the Second Annual Adult Recess Festival at Fletcher Park! Enjoy games, arts and crafts, food trucks, and shop with local businesses while making new friends. Inflatables, kickball, flag football, limbo, tug-o-war, Double Dutch, musical chairs, and more – we have it all! This event is free and open to the public. Go to the Let’s Get Social Raleigh Eventbrite to register to receive event updates! For questions or more information, please call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364. Cost: FreeAge: 21+RSVP for the Adult Recess Festival

Travel to a galaxy far, far away in the heart of Downtown Raleigh at First Order Friday! Activities Include Free screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens under the stars at 7:30 p.m. Photo ops with Star Wars cosplayers (costumes encouraged!) Star Wars caricature drawings and crafts Vendor market curated by Get2Know Raleigh Food trucks And more! Ages: AllCost: Free

Join us on Friday, May 3 at the City of Raleigh Museum. We'll feature therapy dogs provided by Helping Paw International, crafting activities, handouts on mental health toolkits, and valuable information about mental health support services. Local author and artist, Lord Phly, will have copies of his new children’s book called "A Time To Fly" available. Ages: AllCost: Free

Come together for fun activities, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with your neighbors. From games to food, music, and laughter, there's something for everyone. Be part of the spirit that makes our community shine! Ages: AllCost: Free

In a community center far far away... Celebrate May the 4th with us by wearing your favorite galaxy-approved costume and joining in on crafts, activities, and themed snacks. May the 4th be with you! Date: Saturday, May 4Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.Cost: FreeAges: All

Whether you are a member of the dark side, or a rebel scum, let’s join forces to unite in a fun-filled day of glow-in-the-dark dodgeball benefitting Raleigh’s Parks and Recreation’s financial assistance program. Activities include food trucks, music, games, crafts, and costumes! Grab your favorite droids and Wookies and register today! When: Saturday, May 4Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.Ages: 18 years and olderCost: $160/team (5-8 players); $25 for individuals.The price includes a Glow-in-the-dark shirt! Register on RecLink or at any Community Center.

Calling all preschoolers and caregivers - Celebrating our caregivers. This day is for mothers and caregivers of preschoolers to exercise, read, and make something special for the mother or caregiver in the preschooler's life. Date: Wednesday, May 8Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.Ages: 3-5 years oldCost: $3Register on RecLink

The professional accredited Appraisers from Leland Little Auctions will educate you on your special treasures. Come down to the City of Raleigh Museum and enjoy some coffee while you talk to the pros. Ages: 18 and upCost: $20-$50Get Tickets to Raleigh's Appraisal Fair

Explore the stories of the women of Mordecai Historic Park during this special event! Take a themed park tour, drop in for craft demonstrations by the Sir Walter Lacers and Tri-Tatters, and enjoy hearth cooking in our historic kitchen. Try historic yard games and a Hands-on History craft, or hop on the Historic Raleigh Trolley for a special women’s history tour of downtown. Park and trolley tours are ticketed; all other activities are free. Purchase tickets at the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center or online at reclink.raleighnc.gov (trolley only). For more information, please call 919-996-4364. Age: AllCost: FreePark and trolley tours are ticketed; other activities are free.Get Trolley Ticket on RecLink